1. Extrusion method
Extrusion is one of the most commonly used methods for forming aluminum alloy tubes. In this method, the aluminum alloy blank is put into the hopper of the extruder in a heated state, and after high pressure and die extrusion, it becomes an aluminum alloy pipe with a certain shape and wall thickness. The extrusion method can produce various specifications of aluminum alloy pipes with a diameter of 1-250mm, which requires professional extruders, molds and heating equipment.
2. Stretch forming method
The stretch forming method is to heat the aluminum alloy blank to a certain temperature, and then the blank is elongated and formed by a stretch forming machine. The advantages of the stretch forming method are low cost, high degree of automation, and can manufacture aluminum alloy pipes of various sizes and wall thicknesses.
3. Insert molding method
The insert forming method is to pre-shape the aluminum alloy blank, or process it into a fixed head at both ends, insert a forming mold in the center of the blank, and press the aluminum alloy blank to form an aluminum alloy pipe with upper and lower ends. The cost of aluminum alloy pipes produced by this method is relatively high, but it can produce aluminum alloy pipes with complex shapes and complete heads.
4. Cold drawing molding method
The cold drawing method is to heat the aluminum alloy blank to a certain temperature, then stuff it into the mold, and use the high-speed rotation of the mold to stretch the blank into an aluminum alloy pipe of the specified shape. The cost of cold drawing molding is high, but the forming process does not destroy the original fiber structure, so the aluminum alloy pipe produced has excellent mechanical properties and has good surface quality.
5. Roll forming method
The roll forming method is to put the aluminum alloy blank in the heated state into the rolling mill, and after rolling, it is deformed into an aluminum alloy pipe of the specified shape and size. The advantage of the roll forming method is that it can produce aluminum alloy tubes with uniform wall thickness, which is relatively low cost and suitable for high-volume production.